As we've been talking with people at fly shows and other events about this fantastic opportunity to see an area that is seldom visited and fished, several questions keep coming up about the trip.
Number one is generally about getting there and number two is how demanding will this trip be? Here is some information to go along with our
Mongolia FAQ's
Getting to Mongolia:
How Much is the Air Fare: We can't give you a definitive answer to that question since the air fare will depend on where you start from. A recent search of round trip fares indicated that from various airports in the US (Memphis, Dallas, Denver and New York to name a few) they ranged from about $1,700 to $2,400. From Europe fares are between $1,100 and $1,300.
How Long is the Trip: Total travel time (both flight and layover) is about 24 hours for US departures. The long segments across the Pacific are about half of the total travel time. From Europe, total trip times are about 12 hours.
Who Flies to Mongolia: From the US, Korean Airlines, Asian Airlines, Air China, American and United provide service to Ulan Bator. There is no direct service. American offers 1 stop service from Dallas and Korean Airlines offers 1 stop service from Atlanta. All flights connect in Seoul or Beijing. From Europe Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Air China and Korean Airlines offer service.
Trip demands:
Strength: There are no special strength requirements to participate in this STREAM SIDE ADVENTURE program. The ability to carry a small light weight day pack and other personal gear is all that will be required of you.
Personal Comfort: With this STREAM SIDE ADVENTURE program you need to be prepared for a moderate degree of personal discomfort. We will be camping, including sometimes sleeping on sleeping pads on the ground or staying in Gers (also known as Yurts). We will have simple but effective sanitary facilities, sufficient but limited hot water/shower facilities and periods of travel over rough terrain and roads.
Stamina: This STREAM SIDE ADVENTURE program requires a moderate degree of physical stamina. Participants should be able to walk, occasionally, up to three miles a day over somewhat rough footing. Participants should be able to wade in water with a moderate current occasionally up to 24 or more inches deep.
Other Considerations: The areas visited with this program are remote and isolated. Communication from the area is limited. A satellite phone is available for emergency use only. This trip involves a great deal of close interactions with the local residents and their culture. Participants must be prepared to accept these differences and not expect or demand acceptance of our cultural norms. A quote from Ted Warren during a meal in Chile sums it up: "Order what you want and eat what you get."
